A TRUE Saint: From Player to Coach: James Watts-Barciela’s Journey at Saints Southwest

Football is more than just a game—it’s a journey, and for James Watts-Barciela, it has been a path of growth, development, and incredible opportunities. From the early days of kicking a ball at three years old, to now being an integral part of Saints Southwest as both a Marketing and Communications Officer and Assistant Coach, James’ story showcases what the right environment, passion, and perseverance can achieve.

Early Beginnings: A Love for Football

James’ journey began at Copplestone United Youth when he was just three years old. After two years, he made the switch to Crediton to gain further experience, where his passion for football truly started to blossom. At just eight years old, he returned to Copplestone for another two years before taking a pivotal step in his football career—joining Saints Southwest at the age of 10.

The Saints Southwest Years

This was a transformative period for James. Over six years, he honed his skills and proved himself on the field, catching the attention of football scouts. His talent led to an incredible opportunity—a trial with a professional club in Spain and subsequent trials at a professional English club. It was during his time with Saints Southwest U16s that James won the National Shield under the guidance of Mark.

Balancing his time with Saints Southwest, he also played for Bovey Tracey U16s and gained valuable first-team experience with Paignton Saints. This blend of training, competition, and professional trials offered James a unique pathway, one that highlighted the importance of a supportive footballing environment like Saints Southwest.

Transitioning to Men’s Football

At 16, James took the leap into men’s football, joining the Argyle Post-16 Program with Coach Mark. His time there was a major milestone in his development, as he went on to become the back-to-back top goal scorer of the season. The experience also allowed him to train with the Argyle Academy U18s for eight months, a testament to his growing potential.

Simultaneously, he was playing for Bovey Tracey AFC First Team, where he earned the Young Player of the Season and the Supporters Player of the Season awards. In his first full season of men’s football, he finished second in the league, solidifying his place as a rising star.

Life Beyond Football

While football has always been a primary focus for James, his work life reflects his dedication to personal growth. At just 16, after finishing his GCSEs, he began laboring for builders to gain some practical experience. This was followed by a retail job, helping him balance earning money while attending college.

At 18, his career trajectory took a new turn when he started a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship alongside football coaching at Saints Southwest. This experience laid the groundwork for his future role, blending his passion for football with the skills needed to thrive in a professional environment.

The Next Chapter: Plymouth Parkway and Beyond

Currently, James plays for Plymouth Parkway Football Club, continuing to challenge himself in the sport he loves. His growth on the field has been matched by his development off it, and now, as the Marketing and Communications Officer and an Assistant Coach at Saints Southwest, James is ready to give back to the community that shaped his journey.

Saints Southwest: A Platform for Growth

James’ story is a testament to the opportunities that Saints Southwest provides for young players. The club not only focuses on football development but also encourages personal growth, offering pathways in coaching, leadership, and professional opportunities. Saints Southwest supports players through the highs and challenges of their football journey, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed for success on and off the pitch.

For James, this community has been instrumental in shaping his football career, and now, he is excited to help others embark on their own journey, just as he did all those years ago.

"James’ journey is a perfect example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and the right support system. From his early days with Saints Southwest to now being a valued member of our team as both a player and coach, James has shown remarkable growth both on and off the field. We’re incredibly proud of his achievements and excited to see how he continues to inspire the next generation of young footballers."— Mark Titchard, Director of Saints Southwest

This is just one of many incredible stories that showcase the impact Saints Southwest has on young footballers. If you're looking to follow in James’ footsteps, whether on the field or as a future leader, the opportunities at Saints Southwest are endless.

Keep following our blog for more inspirational stories from the Saints Southwest community!